Actor Adeniyi Johnson has extended prayers to Olori Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, following her remand in connection with a tragic stampede during a Christmas event in Ibadan.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, December 24, Adeniyi conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims, empathizing with their grief. He wrote:
“First and foremost, condolences to the family of lost ones, no family deserves this kind of pain at this time or any other. I pray the good Lord gives you the fortitude to bear the loss and comfort the family!! Amen.”
The actor also expressed his support for Silekunola, emphasizing that her intentions were not malicious. Adeniyi Johnson continued:
“My heart and prayers go to @queen_silekunolanaomi_ogunwusi whose intentions were not to hurt or kill but to give and feed!
“This time too shall pass, and the God of your good deeds will speak for you, restore you, and bring you back stronger!”
The actor urged authorities to temper justice with mercy, highlighting Silekunola’s charitable intentions. He concluded:
“We beseech the authorities in charge to temper justice with mercies and look beyond the tragic incident.”
A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, has ordered the remand of Olori Naomi Silekunola, Agidigbo FM CEO Oriyomi Hamzat, and Islamic High School principal Abdullahi Fasasi at the Agodi Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned until January 13 for mention.
The remand order followed their arraignment on a four-count charge related to the December 18 stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun, which resulted in 35 fatalities and six critical injuries.
The prosecution claimed that the defendants’ actions contributed to the tragedy, prompting Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi to order their detention pending advice from the Oyo State Director of Public Prosecutions.